challenge
CHAL-ihnj
Challenge (noun) means a task or situation that tests someone's abilities in a demanding but often rewarding way. Example: “Looking after three young children is a real challenge, but I enjoy it.”
noun
1
A task or situation that tests someone's abilities in a demanding but often rewarding way.
"Looking after three young children is a real challenge, but I enjoy it."
"Learning a new language was a challenge she genuinely enjoyed."
"Running the marathon was the biggest physical challenge of his life."
2
An invitation to a contest, or a questioning of something's validity.
"The champion accepted the challenge and agreed to play the young newcomer."
"The lawyer filed a legal challenge to the ruling."
"He issued a challenge to anyone who doubted his claim."
verb
1
To dispute or question something, or to invite someone to a contest.
"Some parents challenged the school's plan to shorten the lunch break."
"She challenged the referee's decision."
"He challenged his rival to a rematch."
How to use challenge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA difficult task worth attempting, or an act of disputing something or inviting a contest.
Common pairings
rise to the challenge
face a challenge
challenge a decision
issue a challenge
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Word forms
- Plural
- challenges
- Third person singular
- challenges
- Past tense
- challenged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Looking after three young children is a real _____, but I enjoy it.
Etymology
From Old French chalenge, ultimately from Latin calumnia ("false accusation") — a doublet of the word "calumny."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for challenge
See all rhymes for challenge →Frequently asked questions
What does “challenge” mean?
The word “challenge” means a task or situation that tests someone's abilities in a demanding but often rewarding way. In plain terms, a difficult task worth attempting, or an act of disputing something or inviting a contest.
How do you pronounce “challenge”?
“Challenge” is pronounced CHAL-ihnj (/ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “challenge” in a sentence?
Here is “challenge” used in a sentence: “Learning a new language was a challenge she genuinely enjoyed.”
What is another word for “challenge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “challenge” include becall and call out.
What part of speech is “challenge”?
Depending on how it is used, “challenge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “challenge” come from?
The word “challenge” comes from Latin. From Old French chalenge, ultimately from Latin calumnia ("false accusation") — a doublet of the word "calumny.".
Is “challenge” a common word?
“Challenge” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “challenge” have?
“Challenge” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a task or situation that tests someone's abilities in a demanding but often rewarding way.
What is the difference between a challenge and a problem?
The difference is often in framing. A problem is an obstacle that needs solving and tends to sound negative. A challenge is a demanding task seen as a chance to test and stretch your abilities, so it carries a more positive, motivating tone even when it is just as hard.
Is a challenge a good or bad thing?
A challenge is usually seen as positive. Though it is demanding and can be stressful, it pushes people to grow, learn, and prove themselves, and it often brings a real sense of reward once overcome. The word itself carries the idea of difficulty that is worth taking on.
What is the difference between a challenge and a task?
A task is any piece of work that needs doing, big or small, easy or hard. A challenge is a task that genuinely tests your abilities and demands real effort. Filing papers is a task; turning around a failing project is a challenge. Every challenge is a task, but not the reverse.
What is an example of a challenge?
Examples include learning a new language, training for and running a marathon, starting a business, or leading a team through a difficult project. Each stretches a person's skills and demands effort, yet offers a strong sense of achievement once it is met.
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